Sonia O’Sullivan on hand to launch ‘Runuary’ 2022
Sonia O’Sullivan has today launched the Irish Life Health ‘Runuary’ programme, to support all levels of runners, to run January and not let it run them.
Irish Life Health has teamed up with Athletics Ireland to help runners in the New Year to get back into the routine of running again. Starting on January 1st, it encourages runners from beginners to the more experienced to commit to a challenging but realistic running programme to help them reach their personal goals with a target distance of 5km, 5-miles or 10-miles to be completed on January 31st.
“Running has always been a huge part of my life,” said O’Sullivan. “While the intensity and volume of training has changed since the peak of my competitive days, I still feel the benefit and joy from running a couple of times a week.”
“I’m delighted to be partnering with Irish Life Health on this initiative and I would encourage runners to sign up to Runuary to help them build a consistent running practice. By making the habit of running a goal you’ll feel really satisfied with what you have accomplished by the end of the four-week challenge.
“Once exercise becomes part of our routine, it doesn’t take as much willpower to get out the door,” added Team Ireland performance sports psychologist Jessie Barr.
“Getting back into healthy habits after the Christmas period can be difficult, but focusing on setting realistic and achievable goals and finding ways to make running enjoyable again, can help boost motivation.”
“With many people still working from home, any exercise we might have had during our day – whether cycling to work or walking to get lunch is no longer an option. We need to prioritise movement, whether it’s a morning or lunchtime run as it will allow you to hit reset and better handle the rest of the day.”
Jessie is part of a specialist team along with a physiotherapist, nutritionist and Athletics Ireland qualified running coach who will support runners when they sign up for the programme.
There are programme options available from training three, four or five days a week, building up to completing a selected targeted distance of 5km, 5-miles or 10-miles on Monday, January 31st.
Runners can select a ‘First Timer’ or a ‘Run a Faster’ programme across all the distances. Entry is free of charge and runners can sign up at irishlifehealth.ie/runuary from Monday December 13th.
“The Irish Life Health Runuary programme is just one of many ways we’re helping people to embrace a healthier lifestyle,” said Liz Rowen, Head of Marketing, Irish Life Health. “This year we will also support the worthy charity ALONE. Just as the runners will be committing to completing their training plan, we will donate €2 to ALONE for every runner that signs up. Our target is to match the 5,000 who took part last year, so we donate up to the value of €10,000 and play a part in helping to end the silent epidemic of loneliness and social isolation amongst our elderly.”